Obama invites PM to visit US, Modi says looks forward to visit

July 12, 2014 11:20 am

Agencies, New Delhi
US President Barack Obama has formally invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Washington in September and Mr Modi, while accepting the invitation, said he looked forward to a result-oriented visit with concrete outcomes.

The invitation was extended by US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns who called on the Prime Minister here today.

Mr Burns delivered a letter from President Obama to the Prime Minister reiterating the US President’s invitation to visit Washington in September and to work closely to make India-US relations a defining partnership for the 21st Century.

The Prime Minister, while thanking President Obama for the invitation, said he looked forward to a “result-oriented” visit with concrete outcomes that impart new momentum and energy to India-US strategic partnership.
He said re-energising the partnership between India and the US would send an important message to the region and beyond.

Articulating his vision for India-US relations, the Prime Minister said the relationship between the world’s oldest and largest democracies should not only be for the benefit of the two countries, but emerge as a powerful force of good for peace, stability and prosperity in the world.
Mr Burns conveyed to the Prime Minister Mr Obama’s desire to strengthen economic relations, including in next-generation technologies and manufacturing sector, cooperation in enhancing energy security, deepening security cooperation, including in maritime security, counter-terrorism and intelligence exchange, expanding consultation and coordination on Afghanistan and working more broadly for security and prosperity in Asia.

The Prime Minister reiterated his desire to strengthen relations with all neighbours.

Mr Modi recalled President Obama’s telephone call soon after the election and expressed his appreciation for Mr Obama’s detailed and thoughtful letter.